Sarnia Police Service is warning parents and caregivers about violent online groups that are targeting children and youth in the community. The alert, issued September 10, 2026, echoes a national warning from the RCMP about networks that use grooming tactics to pressure young people into self-harm, violence, and exploitation.
The groups operate on popular platforms including Roblox, Discord, TikTok, and Steam. They are largely made up of youth who victimize other youth, with children between ages 8 and 17 being especially vulnerable. The primary network is known as The COM, short for community, which includes a subgroup called the 764 Network. Canada became the first country in the world to formally designate 764 as a terrorist entity in December 2025.
According to the RCMP, these groups deliberately target vulnerable children using grooming tactics to establish trust, form romantic relationships, and coerce victims into harmful acts. A 250 percent increase in reports of minors exploited on Discord was noted by Cybertip.ca, with over 500 reports last year alone. From June 2022 through December 2025, Cybertip.ca and NeedHelpNow.ca received 127 reports of extreme violence.
Parents should watch for warning signs such as increased secrecy about online activity, drastic changes in behaviour, more time spent online, distress when separated from devices, new friends the child has never met in person, unexplained gifts or messages, and mood changes. Police urge parents to monitor online activity, have open conversations about online safety, and maintain communication about online dangers.
Anyone with concerns can report them to Cybertip.ca or contact Sarnia Police Service immediately.
